New research indicates that individuals who discontinue blockbuster slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain reduced body mass much more quickly than those who stop traditional diet and exercise plans.
Research printed in a prominent health publication shows that while overweight people often shed a large proportion of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People buying such treatments should be aware of the potential of rapid rebound weight gain when the therapy is stopped," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a return to pre-treatment weight within about 18 months.
Comparing Treatments
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the results of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
The team point out that individuals who lose weight through dieting typically have a less rapid weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Doctors believe the way of the drugs is key to understanding the amplified regain.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal might result in the body to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could lessen sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Chronic Issue?
The NHS suggest the injections for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the treatment might need to be life-long.
This perspective is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "underscore the long-term nature of obesity," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
Individuals who have discontinued the jabs report a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger flipping and you're instantly starving," said one woman.
This challenge is compounded if users have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Widespread Interest
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with interest continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among women than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, experts caution that while GLP-1 drugs are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and lasting health benefits likely depends on combined behavioural changes.
